Abstract: System and method for monitoring the physiological behavior of a driver that includes measuring a physiological variable of a driver, assessing a driver's behavioral parameter on the basis of at least said measured physiological variable, and informing the driver of the assessed driver's behavioral parameter. The measurement of the physiological variable can include measuring a driver's eye movement, measuring a driver's eye-gaze direction, measuring a driver's eye-closure amount, measuring a driver's blinking movement, measuring a driver's head movement, measuring a driver's head position, measuring a driver's head orientation, measuring driver's movable facial features, and measuring a driver's facial temperature image.

Abstract: A portable speech therapy device that enables post-operative cancer patients to practice voice exercises without direct supervision by activating a series of colored indicator lights in predetermined patterns associated with push-button actuation switches. The patient is initially taught to make a certain sound when an associated indicator light is turned on, and then allowed to practice with the device at home. The sequences associated with each actuation switch are made progressively more challenging as the patient masters the sequences associated with each switch (e.g., progressively shorter time periods allowed response, progressively greater number of prompts, or different patterns in which the colored indicators are turned on). The device is field programmable to allow the doctor to tailor sequences to correspond with a patient's recovery progress.

Abstract: This invention relates to the electrophysiological assessment of visual function using a head mounted stereo display (eg virtual reality goggles) for displaying a stimulus which is used to generate a retinal or cortical response. In particular, the invention relates to a method for objective electrophysiological assessment of visual function of at least one eye of a patient, which method comprises presenting a visual stimulus to at least one eye of the patient, recording at least one resultant response, selected from the group consisting of a retinal response and a cortical response, generated as a result of the presenting; analysing said response; and as a result of said analysing, forming a map of the visual function of the at least one eye of the patient. The invention also relates to as system for such electrophysiological assessment.

Abstract: Utilization of a contact device placed on the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the conjunctiva and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device. The signal can be communicated by wires or radio telemetered to an externally placed receiver.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure and an arrangement for the stimulation of the human eye by projection of light patterns on the inside of a perimeter hemisphere. According to the invention, the eye of the viewer is lit in the non-visible area of the light (infrared light) in such a way that the picture, taken with an infrared camera, is of sufficient high-contrast for an evaluation through picture development, so that the actual line of sight can be calculated from the picture based on the characteristics of the eye and that, proceeding from the determined line of sight, the coordinates of the coming optical stimulation can be adjusted in such a way that the intended retinal area is stimulated.

Abstract: Methods for measuring retinal damage resulting from an injury include calculating the slope of retinal thickness from the injury site to the periphery of the site. A shallower slope of retinal thickness correlates with a greater degree of damage resulting from the injury. The methods may also be useful to screen pharmaceuticals for potential neuroprotective effects against retinal injuries.

Abstract: A system and method for objectively testing for ocular changes including age-related macular degeneration through reliance on involuntary physical reactions such as the fixation reflex and optokinetic nystagmus. A narrow band of visible blue light is beamed at the patient's eye through alternate apertures in a mask which are separated by a relatively small angle of subtendance at the entrance pupil. In the presence of a healthy macula, the blue light is filtered out and the fixation reflex is absent. Conversely, if the macula is in the process of degenerating by the progressive loss of protective pigments, then the impinging of the narrow band of visible blue light upon the macula, via the alternate apertures, will evoke the fixation reflex.

Abstract: 20A method of diagnosing neurological impairments such as multiple sclerosis includes the determination of the simultaneity threshold of a pair of sensory stimuli, such as visual or tactile stimuli, separated temporally by a stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA). The stimuli may be presented unilaterally or bilaterally. Interhemispheric transfer times may also be determined by determining the difference in simultaneity thresholds for bilateral and unilateral presentations. Simultaneity thresholds and interhemispheric transfer times are significantly elevated in patients with MS and other neurological impairments. An apparatus for delivering such sensory stimuli includes an array of visual stimuli and tactile stimulators, a computer-implemented control program and a precise timing mechanism.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system generates a succession of selected visual perception task images for presentation to a person, and receives respective inputs from the person based on the person's perception of each image, wherein subsequently generated images are based at least in part on the person's perception of one or more previously presented images. The generation and modification of images based on the person's input is repeated until at least one characteristic of the person's visual perception capabilities is adequately evaluated, improved to a desired level, or both.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a vigilance state of a subject such as a driver of a vehicle or the like. The apparatus includes means (1 to 11) for monitoring one or more physiological variables such as EEG, EMG and EOG signals associated with the subject. The apparatus also includes means (13 to 16) for deriving from the one or more variables data representing physiological states of the subject corresponding to the or each variable and means (17) for determining from the data with the vigilance state of the subject is below a predetermined threshold. The apparatus may include means for intervening with the control of the vehicle in the event that the vigilance state of the driver is below the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An evaluation of affective brain function and, more particularly, to the monitoring of such function as an indication of the reception of visual stimulus. Such evaluation primarily involves analyzing dilation responses as a measure of whether the visual stimulus evokes a positive or negative affective response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the evaluation of affective brain function and, more particularly, to the monitoring of such function as an indication of the reception of visual stimulus. Such evaluation primarily involves analyzing dilation responses as a measure of whether the visual stimulus evokes a positive or negative affective response.

Abstract: A portable relaxation device is provided which utilizes display of lights and sound effects to induce a relaxed state in the user. A head mounted device is worn on the head of the user and displays light signals on the display field in front of the eyes of the user. The earphones provide sound effects to accompany light display. The control unit is used to control intensity, frequency, and sequence of the light and sound. In a preferred embodiment the light signals are provided by a series of light source emitters arranged in a semi circle on display fields before each eye of the user. The light source emitters fade in and out in sequence creating an optical illusion of a point moving through space such as that of an oscillating pendulum. The resulting effect on the user is increased state of relaxation and improved perception of well being.

Abstract: Utilization of a contact device placed on the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the conjunctiva and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device. The signal can be communicated by wires or radio telemetered to an externally placed receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the precision measurement of the optical characteristics of the eye and the shape of the cornea of the eye. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical characteristic measuring apparatus capable measuring the optical characteristics of an irregular astigmatism component. An illuminating optical system illuminates a minute region on the retina of the eye with light rays emitted by an illuminating light source, a reflected light guiding optical system guides reflected light rays reflected from the retina of the eye to a light receiving device, a converting device converts the reflected light rays into at least seventeen light beams, a light receiving device receives the plurality of light beams from the converting device, and an arithmetic unit determines the optical characteristics of the eye and the shape of the cornea on the basis of the inclination of the light rays determined by the light receiving device.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring movement of a person's eye, e.g., to monitor drowsiness. The system includes a frame that is worn on a person's head, an array of emitters on the frame for directing light towards the person's eye, and an array of sensors on the frame for detecting light from the array of emitters. The sensors detect light that is reflected off of respective portions of the eye or its eyelid, thereby producing output signals indicating when the respective portions of the eye is covered by the eyelid. The emitters project a reference frame towards the eye, and a camera on the frame monitors movement of the eye relative to the reference frame. This movement may be correlated with the signals from the array of sensors and/or with signals from other sensors on the frame to monitor the person's level of drowsiness.

Abstract: A method for testing a working memory of a subject includes the steps of presenting to a subject a first representation of a plurality of items and asking the subject to select a first item from the first representation. Next the subject is presented with a second representation of the plurality of items and is asked to select a second item from the second representation, the second item different from the first item. These steps test a subject's ability to select a different item from a plurality thereof, a first type of information. As a next aspect of the test the subject is asked to recall an order of the selected items. This step requires the subject to track the order of selection, another type of information. This juxtaposition of testing aspects increases the working memory load on the subject.

Abstract: An eye blinking bio-feedback device and method which produces an eye blink in a user of a computer display through a sensory stimulus occurring at a quasi-random rate.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a vision examination includes displaying a series of visual stimuli for observation by a patient and detecting the patient's visual evoked potentials in response to the visual stimuli. Electrical signals representative of the visual evoked potentials for each stimulus of each series of visual stimuli displayed is amplified, converted to digitized data, recorded and measured. The measured visual evoked potential data is then evaluated and compared to certain predetermined values in order to detect whether or not the measured data is reliable. Data outside of predetermined ranges of values is considered faulty data. For example, the measured data is compared to a maximum value of the output of an amplifier used to enhance the electrical signals, to a predetermined value of the Fourier component at 60 Hz; and to certain ranges to determine if the measured data are outside of expected limits. The occurrence of such data outside these ranges is faulty data.

Abstract: A mathematical relation between base variables (x1, x2, . . . , xp), when a set of input data d is composed of p base variables (x1, x2, . . . , xp), and a plurality of data sets d (i) of such data set d is inputted, the data sets d(i) are distinguished by an input data distinguishing parameter i. When victors in a q dimensional space, mapped from the input data through q base functions (f1, . . . , fq), form a plane, a mathematical relation can be a linear combination of the base functions. A set of base functions (f1, . . . , fq) are prepared. Sets of the values F(i)=(F1i, . . . , Fqi) of the base functions corresponding to the input data d (i) are acquired. The sets F(i) are considered points in a q dimensional space. Direction cosine of a mapping plane is acquired through cofactors of a determinant of these points, or by solving an eigenvalue problem for determining a plane, the square sum of the perpendicular lines from these points to the plane is minimum.

Abstract: A reaction test for determining the reaction of humans to change consists of a moving shape which changes from time to time, the change being signalled by a person being tested, and apparatus recording the delay between the change and the subsequent signal. The moving shape increases speed during the test, and the chance may be a chance of shape/colour or any other detectable change. The test results are useful in detecting or confirming certain medical conditions.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for computer-controlled photodisruption of tissue of the eye is provided. Instrument software is implemented on a computer-based laser system to control operation of the laser system and provide managed, secured control of photodisruption procedures. The instrument software is configured for the display of an image of a patient's eye within a graphical user interface of the instrument software. Parameters for both horizontal and vertical resections are selectable by the user of the instrument software. The parameters are used to control procedures for the photodisruption of tissue of the eye. In addition to the performance of photodisruption procedures, the instrument software provides for maintenance, security, calibration, and error monitoring functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing the physical/mental fitness of a subject by observing his/her eye responses to stimuli in the form of images in motion displayed on a screen. The method comprises the steps of monitoring the eye behavior of the subject in response to movement of the images, analyzing the resulted responses, comparing the results to a reference eye pattern, and determining the level of fitness according to the comparison results. The apparatus is intended to be used for self-testing e.g. by bus drivers or equipment operators and may be coupled so as to disable operation of the vehicle or equipment by unfit subjects.

Abstract: An applanation tonometry system, for measuring pressure within an eye, the tonometry system comprising: an applanation tonometer device for providing specific applanation pressure to a plurality of locations on an eye; an electrical process controller for measuring pressure within the eye; and a tonometer hands free holder adapted to secure the tonometer device over the eye whilst measuring the pressure within the eye.

Abstract: The multifocal pattern visual evoked potential (VEP) has been adapted to detect visual field loss as a form of objective perimetry, with specific application to glaucoma. Multifocal pattern stimuli are cortically scaled and presented using a standard system. In order to effectively record the visual field responses, a unique array of bipolar occipital straddle electrode positions are employed, overlying the occipital visual cortex. Multi-channel VEP recording is then performed using these electrode positions. The responses are combined from the channels to produce a representation of the visual up to 25° of eccentricity. Analysis of results to detect early field defects is enhanced by asymmetry analysis between fellow eyes, and by a scaling algorithm to compensate for inter-individual variations. VEP objective perimetry corresponds well with subjective Humphrey visual field defects, showing loss of signal in the areas of visual field loss.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a vision examination includes displaying a series of visual stimuli in a line by line pattern display for observation by a patient and detecting the patient's visual evoked potential in response to the visual stimuli. Electrical signals representative of the visual evoked potentials for each stimulus of each series of visual stimuli displayed is converted to digitized data, recorded and measured. The measured evoked potential data is then evaluated and compared to certain predetermined values in order to detect whether or not the measured data is reliable.

Abstract: Provided are methods for diagnosing the presence, type, or severity of a dementia in a human subject. The methods involve using a computer-based system to assess impairment of certain cognitive and motor functions that are indicative of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Abstract: A system comprising a central client, a local client having apparatus for providing therapeutic stimuli and for collecting patient reaction data in response thereto, and a data structure accessible by the local client for storing the reaction data and by the central client for accessing and interacting with the reaction data.

Abstract: A Doppler velocimeter includes an illumination system for illuminating a blood vessel with a light beam, a detector for detecting Doppler-shifted scattered light produced from blood flowing in the blood vessel, and a processor for obtaining a blood flow velocity by analyzing a signal from said detector. The processor compares an actual power spectrum obtained by frequency-analyzing the signal with a theoretical power spectrum obtained using a frequency as a parameter while changing the parameter.

Abstract: A method for assessing a patient's retinal function includes selecting a test site on a retina of the patient and stimulating the test site. In a healthy retina, this stimulation results in the generation of an entoptic signal, which is then detected. The method thus provides a simple test for detecting damage to retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma.

Abstract: Methods for ordered delivery of electronic content from a computer network such as the Internet or an intranet. Network latencies and the type of electronic content such as text, graphical images, animation, voice, video and other electronic content interact to influence user perception of the quality of information provided. As network latency increases and becomes more variable, users typically become less satisfied. The method dynamically adjusts the amount of electronic content presented to user based on determined network latency by using ordered delivery of electronic content. The method may improve user perception of requested original electronic content by dynamically sending in a predetermined order different types of original electronic content (e.g., text, graphics, tables, etc.) based on a determined network latency. Improved user perception of original electronic content may help attract and retain, students, customers, contributors, etc.

Abstract: Functional NMR data is acquired from a subject using an EPI pulse sequence while a prescribed pattern of light is displayed that stimulates locations throughout the subject's field of view. Brain activity responsive to the light stimulation is measured and a functional field map is produced which indicates all the locations in the subject's field of view which produce brain activity in the visual cortex.

Abstract: By combining various indexes concerning brain functions, still more highly accurate brain function examination is achieved. An apparatus for examining the subject's brain functions acquires two or more indexes of pupillary indexes that show subject's pupillary characteristics, visual indexes that show subject's visual system functions, intelligence evaluating indexes that are results of the intelligence test carried out on the subject, and behavior evaluating indexes that show the results of subject's behavior examination. Two or more indexes are stored in the memory and outputted from the output unit. By combining two or more kinds of independent indexes, accurate determination of dementia cases and further the degree of senescence of brain functions can be achieved. In addition, the brain function examining apparatus put together a number of a plurality of indexes by the multivariate calculation and converts into different values of fewer numbers. Thus, brain functions can be examined simply and easily.

Abstract: A method for processing an image of eyes of a subject is provided. The image is divided into two halves, each containing an eye of the subject. The halves are then processed to determine at least a position of a pupil within the first half and second half. After positions of the pupils are determined, horizontal and vertical histograms are developed from the pupil in each of the halves. Several ways of plotting the respective histograms are disclosed, these plots provided with various indicators for detecting abnormal conditions of the eyes.

Abstract: In the method and apparatus for assessing neural integrity of a patient's central nervous system, the patient is stimulated with a visual or auditory flickering stimulus, and oxygenation in the patient's second eye is sensed. Finally, the method and apparatus detects whether a change in the sensed oxygenation occurs in response to stimulation of the patient with the visual or auditory flickering stimulus. This change in the sensed oxygenation is indicative of neural integrity of the patient's central nervous system.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the optic disc from photographs using vascular landmarks. Monochromatic simultaneous stereo images of an eye are obtained. Reference points are marked on each disc margin. The position of a cup base is estimated and intermediate measurements of the data are tabulated.

Abstract: A micro-perimeter technique using a portable computer and a projector, and using two screening methods, multi-resolution static and bi-directional kinetic. The static method, as applied to a static test, starts with relatively low-resolutions, and only the unseen zones are selectively remapped under higher resolutions during successive iterations. The bi-directional kinetic method, as applied to a kinetic test, uses a response to a continuously moving target, and the unknown response delay is compensated for by an algorithm that merges the patient's response to measurements at the same visual location, but with opposite scanning directions. Offline visualization of the mapping results is performed automatically superimposed over the fundus image.

Abstract: Utilization of a contact device placed on the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the conjunctiva and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device. The signal can be communicated by wires or radio telemetered to an externally placed receiver.

Abstract: A device and method for providing a stimulus to the measurement of the field of vision of the human eye. The stimulus is presented at predetermined test sites in a region of the background of a perimeter to a person to be tested. The stimulus has at least two visual characteristics that can be varied for the determination of a threshold. The stimulus is preferably formed by sine waves.

Abstract: Ophthalmic membranes and uses are described. Intraocular membranes and structures within the eye are identified by instilling into the eye a trypan blue solution which marks in a visually identifiable manner intraocular membranes and structures within the eye.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting eye disease. A pattern is displayed on a screen to an individual, who is made to fixate his vision on a point in the pattern. The pattern is then hidden and a second pattern is displayed. The individual then compares the second pattern, as perceived by him, with a pre-defined pattern. These steps are then repeated several times. It is then determined whether the individual has an eye disease based on the comparisons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing visuospatial disorientation or assessing visuospatial orientation capacity in a subject including conducting an optic flow test on the subject, recording results of the test, and comparing the results of the test against a threshold for optic flow perception.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and means for non-invasively measuring the real time movement of external or internal body parts, thereby improving the diagnosis of, for example, respiratory disease and the monitoring of therapy.

Abstract: In the method and apparatus for assessing neural integrity of a patient's central nervous system, the patient is stimulated with a visual or auditory flickering stimulus, and oxygenation in the patient's second eye is sensed. Finally, the method and apparatus detects whether a change in the sensed oxygenation occurs in response to stimulation of the patient with the visual or auditory flickering stimulus. This change in the sensed oxygenation is indicative of neural integrity of the patient's central nervous system.

Abstract: The present invention confirms whether a caregiven person, such as a solitary advanced aged person, is living a normal daily life, while respecting the privacy when the caregiven person is in a normal state. The present invention further outputs a detailed video with a warning to a caregiver when the caregiven person has fallen into an abnormal state.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a retinal reflection that may be of less than optimum quality is disclosed. In the event an image of a retinal reflex taken by a retinal photometer is of low contrast or have certain other degradations, then matched filter tests applied to portions of the image containing the eyes may be performed in order to locate the retinal reflex. For determining potential eye abnormalities, a plurality of intensity shape determination tests may be performed, these including comparisons of the eyes against a center of gravity of the shape distribution, a least-squares fit and an analysis of the moments of Hu (of the retinal reflex) converted to Zernike polynomials. A Hirshberg deviation test is performed to determine if one or the other, or both, of the eyes are deviating. Intrasymmetry and intersymmetry of the reflex are analyzed to indicate cataracts, differences of optical power and other similar problems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing, tracking, and rating depressive symptoms in order to predict responses to specific treatments and guide further adjustments and interventions to treatments. The present invention permits rapid and meaningful depressive symptom severity ratings even when conventional or verbal symptom descriptions are difficult or impossible. The present invention further provides a means for detecting and quantifying intense emotional pain, including depression subtypes and major depressions with psychotic features. The present invention also provides a means of quantitative comparisons for the results of successive treatment trials. The present invention covers the whole range of depression symptom diagnosis and requires no literacy or minimal mental capacities from the patients. Furthermore, the present invention minimizes bias in order to avoid over or under diagnosis and treatments.

Abstract: This invention concerns the detection of neural damage to the optic nerve, optic radiations and white matter of the visual brain indicative of various neurological disorders but with particular application to multiple sclerosis. The method involves simultaneous measurement of the shape and latency of responses to visual stimuli presented simultaneously in different parts of the visual field of the two eyes, separating out linear and nonlinear response components, and most particularly separating out binocular interaction responses to assess neural function within each half of the visual cortex. Because rough retino-topicity is maintained in the optic nerve, through the optic radiations and the visual cerebral cortex, stimulation of the separate parts of the visual field permits isolation of responses from different component parts of these neural elements and therefore from the results obtained an objective assessment of damage to these separate neural components can be made simultaneously.

Abstract: Utilization of a contact device placed on the front part of the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals preferably being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the front part of the eye (conjunctiva) and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system preferably utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device.

Abstract: A reflex timing device having a first switch. Engagement of the first switch causes a microcontroller to activate a second visual indicator at a random time. The micorcontroller measures the time between activation of the second visual indicator and engagement of a second switch. This measured time is compared by the microcontroller with a required benchmark reflex time, which may optionally be selected from several benchmark reflex times. A signal indicating success is provided if a subject being tested does not disengage said first switch until said second visual indicator has been activated and if the subject also engages said second switch within the required benchmark reflex time. Optionally, a signal indicated failure may be provided if these conditions have not been met.